Page 38 of A Night of Passion with the Duke

“I guess I better escort you inside so you can dress for the evening meal.”

Had that much time passed? She hadn’t even noticed.

“Are you sure you aren’t trying to make sure I don’t run away?” Arabella teased as they fell into step with each other.

If he was surprised, he didn’t show it.

“Why would I need to, when you’re in love with me?”

She laughed then, unable to make it as graceful as she could.

He smiled down at her, seemingly enjoying her amusement.

“How did you find spending time with my family?” he asked, concern evident in his words.

She smiled at him. He’d been right about his family. She’d found friendship in Emily and warmth from her mother-in-law and the children. She had yet to converse with Charles, but overall, she’d had a good day, and she told him as much.

Edward nodded and came to a stop as the butler opened the door. “I have some matters to attend to, but I’ll see you at dinner.”

“All right.” She nodded. “Do be careful.”

She didn’t know why she’d added that, but he nodded, and she turned to head inside, feeling warm.

They’d just had a conversation, and it had been… pleasant. She didn’t know how to feel.

She admired the elegant oil paintings lining the hallways as she tried to make her way back to her room.

She rounded a corner, noticing she’d stepped into an unfamiliar hall with no maid or footmen about.

She turned to head back the way she’d come, but upon hearing a noise up ahead, she stepped forward to see if she could find someone to help her back to her room.

When she stepped into the next hall, she couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her lips.

She spotted a couple in an embrace so passionate that she flushed from head to toe.

She turned away as they pulled apart.

“I’m sorry!” she blurted out as she saw their panicked attempts to right themselves.

“It’s all right,” she heard the woman say.

Arabella turned then and took in the couple. The woman looked to be a noble, but the man was dressed in livery.

“It’s His Grace’s wife,” Arabella heard the footman tell the woman.

The woman’s eyes widened as she looked at Arabella, but then she schooled her features into a neutral mask.

“Are you lost, Your Grace?” she asked.

Arabella nodded.

“I’ll help you get back.”

Arabella nodded again but said nothing.

“I’m Joana,” the lady said when she fell into step with her.

Arabella didn’t know what to say.

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